Monthly Archives: February 2017

On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, the Wexford Plantation Charitable Foundation hosted their fifth annual Grants Award Luncheon at the Wexford Clubhouse, sponsored by South State Bank. The Wexford Charitable Foundation donated $89,000 to local charities as well as the remaining $10,000 of our major grant to Hopeful Horizons.

This year’s grant recipients include the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, The Children’s Center, Family Promise, Heather Trew Foundation, Heroes of the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, The Literacy Center, Meals on Wheels, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Neighborhood Outreach Connection, Pockets Full of Sunshine, Programs for Exceptional People and Second Helpings.

According to Wexford Foundation’s Chairman, Jim Hicks, “The success of the Wexford Foundation is a reflection of the compassionate nature of the members of the Wexford Community. The engagement of our Members allows the Foundation to support partner charities that make a real difference on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area. These charities all enable the success of their clients. We are pleased to be a part of such a powerful relationship.”

To learn more about the Wexford Foundation and how you can get involved, visit www.wexfordfoundation.com or contact any one of the Trustees.

On Monday, February 6, 2017, Hopeful Horizons opened a satellite office in Bluffton, SC, to serve victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. The Wexford Plantation Charitable Foundation awarded Hopeful Horizons a grant in order to open this office to reach more victims and assist on their path to healing.

“We are grateful for the support of the Wexford Charitable Foundation and community leaders,” said Shauw Chin Caps, CEO of Hopeful Horizons. “As we work to increase awareness and assist survivors, our satellite office in Bluffton will help us continue to reach more people and provide comprehensive services to victims of abuse.”

“At Hopeful Horizons, our mission is to protect, treat + prevent,” said Kristin Dubrowski, COO of Hopeful Horizons. “The opening of our Bluffton office equips us with additional resources to assist victims of abuse and work with the community to end abuse and change lives.”

“The Wexford Charitable Foundation’s goal is to invest in the wellbeing of the members of our community. We are pleased to support the establishment of Hopeful Horizons’ Bluffton office,” said Wexford Charitable Foundation Chairman, Jim Hicks. “This is an example of high-impact philanthropy. Hopeful Horizons provides proven solutions to the problems of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. The impact of our investment will be repaid many times over – in lives meaningfully improved. Together, we are working to significantly reduce abuse and change lives.”

“I am thrilled that Hopeful Horizons will have a physical presence in Bluffton to serve our citizens and our neighboring communities,” said Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka. “It is critical that victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault know they aren’t alone. Hopeful Horizons offers free, confidential, comprehensive services under one roof. Their presence will be a great addition to the Bluffton community.”

“I have long been passionate about protecting children and couldn’t be happier to see Hopeful Horizons expanding their services in our community. Abuse can cause lasting trauma, but that doesn’t have to be the end of the story,” said Hilton Head Island Councilman David Ames. “Providing a welcoming place for victims to tell their story and support on their healing journey is key to helping abuse survivors rebuild their lives. Hopeful Horizons’ work breaks the cycle of violence.”

Hopeful Horizons is a Children’s Advocacy, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center. For more information on the services provided by Hopeful Horizons, visit www.hopefulhorizons.org.

08Congratulations to Wexford Head Tennis Professional, Mike Pollard, for being awarded Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Member of the Year for South Carolina! This award is presented to a PTR member who has shown dedication and diligence in promoting and supporting tennis and PTR.

Mike coaches more than 25 Adult USTA teams annually, and both Men’s and Women’s Interclub teams. He coaches multiple adult players who compete in both the singles and doubles Ultimate Tennis Leagues. He also coaches multiple Junior Team Tennis teams during the year.

Mike is co-tournament director for one Junior USTA tournament, and one USTA adult tournament each year. He also participates in many local exhibitions and is a member of the Hilton Head Pro League, which in 2016 raised $2,700 for the PTR Wheelchair Championships.

Mike joined the PTR in 2002. In 2015, he became the first member of the PTR to become certified Professional in all 5 pathways (10 & Under, 11 to 17, Performance, Adult Development, Senior Development) AND is also PTR wheelchair certified. He currently has 665 continuing education hours.

During his three year tenure as Head Professional at Wexford, the tennis facility has won multiple prestigious awards including 2014 USTA Outstanding Facility of the Year, 2016 Island Packet Tennis Facility of the year, and the 2016 USTA Southern Member Facility of the year.

How often should I restring my racquet?

The truth is, strings wear down from play, lose their elasticity and tension and ultimately if left too long can have a negative impact on your play. Your tennis strings begin to lose their tension very quickly after you string. In the first 24 hours after stringing, strings can lose roughly 10% of their tension and this reduction in tension continues as time goes by and you get out on the court and start hitting.

The worst thing that can happen to a player is they begin to adjust their technique or are told to adjust their technique to compensate for a loss in tension with their strings. Since the tension of your strings can have a big impact on the power and control you generate when hitting, it’s worth replacing your tennis strings on a consistent basis to make sure you can perform your best.